| Gyrik | #342631 Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 13:04 | |
"Yub yub, Commander." WL Tank Lead |
Stormwind Harbor was ablaze. Waves of howling undead battered against the defenses of the human capital, crashing against the battle lines of soldiers, heroes, and adventurers who had banded together to stave off the attack. United against the Scourge, all races of the Alliance fought through the haze and gore as apprentices and those too wounded to stand to the fore struggled to contain fires and patch up the rest. With a grunt of exertion, Dazhbog hacked off a ghoul's head and sent the body sprawling. Turning quickly, he caught another monster with his shield, toppling it to the ground and crushing its legs beneath his heel. As two more ghouls closed in, the paladin's eyes blazed bright blue, and with a shout he unleashed a wave of pure, destructive Light. The headless ghoul struggling to rise, along with the other three Scourge, were pulverized instantly to ash and quickly mixed with the mud, blood, and grime underfoot. Pausing, Dazhbog peered across the battlefield, trying to make sense of what was happening. The undead were many, if not very powerful, and despite the combined efforts of the Stormwind guard and those who joined in the fight, their numbers were slowly dwindling, while the undead strength rose with each of their losses. Priests and other healers worked hard to stave off the clutch of the plague from the fallen, but there were too many dead. Turning back to his immediate surroundings, Dazhbog caught sight of two grotesque, hulking abominations that had pinned down a gnome mage. Roaring like a madman, Dazhbog poured energy into his shield and hurled it, striking the flesh golems which howled and turned to face him. As they lumbered forward, a brilliant flash behind them signaled the redoubled efforts of the wizard, and the monstrosities were engulfed in cleansing flame. "Thanks!" piped the gnome over the fray, "I thought I was to join them!" "Light knows you looked like you could use a hand!" the paladin hollered back, "but it's just a drop in the ocean! There's too many of them!" As if to punctuate the statement, the two sent twined pulses of energy into more approaching undead, arcane magic dancing about pure holy energy before pulverizing undead flesh and bone. "We've GOT to hold on!" yelled the mage, gasping, "Help is coming!" Dazhbog shook his head. "What could possibly be-?" At that moment a horn blast sounded, seeming to shake the walls of the Harbor, and the combatants paused. Although the sun was clear beyond the haze and smoke, sinking towards evening, a glow appeared beyond the gates to Stormwind proper, as if a second star had begun to rise. Listening, Dazhbog heard the distant clanking of marching plate, and then a cheer went up at the gates. The glow grew brighter, and then was revealed as Tirion Fordring, now the first of the Order's knights, came forward to stand beside the great lion statue. Dazhbog gaped open-mouthed at the man, and what he held. Fordring roared, raising the Ashbringer into the air. With a thunderclap, the world was ignited. Harsh, brilliant light flared across the courtyard and docks, blinding the defenders and instantly vaporizing the invading undead. Slowly the glare faded, ash drifting down as Dazhbog blinked to clear the purple spots from his eyes. Silence descended, and Tirion spoke, his voice booming across the open space. "Comrades!" The paladin made a fist and held it to his breast. "Soliders! Heroes of the realm! Brothers and sisters, I have returned. Forgive me," he paused, "Forgive me, for my absence has been too long, and I have come back too late to prevent this terrible invasion. Those of you who have seen your homes burnt, your friends and loved ones fall before the Scourge, I can offer nothing to staunch your wounds, save for one thing." Tirion's eyes seemed to glow brighter. "Vengeance." "Arthas the betrayer hides in the North, sending his howling Scourge to ravage Azeroth and Kalimdor. His necropoli hang over our lands, spewing corruption and death, and his death knights once more walk the Plaguelands. Despite our losses, we have managed to push back the horrors of the Lich King, but know that it is but a brief respite against the cold, hungering darkness! We MUST take the fight to those who would see our homes destroyed, who would revel amongst our ruin." "Let it be known that the Order of the Silver Hand, and the Argent Dawn have united under a common banner. This day, let the clarion horn of the Argent Crusade call to battle those who would see justice done!" Again the horn thundered, and the knights behind Tirion raised a banner high. The sunburst of the Argent Dawn, now silver against a pure white field, floated in the breeze off the sea. A ragged cheer went up from below. "The Crusade marches North! Let all those who would stand with us prepare!" Tirion pointed a finger at the afternoon sun. "Plans have been laid, and tomorrow we sail with the blessing of the Light into the frozen lands!" Another cheer went up as a massive barge rounded the headland and entered the harbor. Sailors scrambled to bring the ship to dock, and a battalion of Argent soldiers could be seen peering over the side. Another cheer went up amongst the weary defenders. "Go now, with the Light's blessing. Spread the word across the land, and onward into the Outlands where we have so recently stemmed the tide of demonic invasion that a new evil demands our attention! Go and prepare, comfort your loved ones and gather your comrades! TOMORROW, WE TAKE THE FIGHT TO ARTHAS!" Once again, a thundering cheer split the air of the harbor. Grinning like a madman, Dazhbog sheathed his sword and reached into a belt pouch, pulling out his guild seal. All about him others echoed his actions, breathing softly across the seal to open the connection. A stew of tiny voices reached Dazhbog's ear, all clamoring to know what had happened. "Gather the crew," Daz boomed, his eyes once more flickering blue. "Fordring's back, and I'm catching the first boat with him. I'll find quarters for everyone, and set things in motion; bring supplies and tell those who haven't heard yet." "I'll see you in Northrend." --
 Dazhbog - Armory Gyrik - Armory The birth of the Argent Crusade - credit to Invisusira of Smolderthorn |
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| Gyrik edited this message on Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 16:07 | ||
| Sorronn | #342674 Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 15:04 | |
Charter Lead: AP/TBD |
Good tale!
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"Still round the corner there may wait a new road or secret gate; And though I have oft passed them by, a day will come at last when I Shall take the hidden paths that run West of the Moon, East of the Sun." - JRR Tolkien |
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| Erywin | #342676 Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 15:14 | |
AP Physical DPS Lead Stylin' |
Frelling awesome mate!! Sent shivers down my spine. Honestly this has gotten me fully amped up for tomorrow!! CHEERS!!! E PS. ;) --
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| Erywin edited this message on Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 18:16 | ||
| Merari | #342744 Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 17:20 | |
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Member |
nicely written daz
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Xiandria, Enhancement Shaman Sayomi, Ret/Prot Pally Ohryon, Hunter of awesome |
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| Tribal | #342788 Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 18:53 | |
Demonwright Tribalsun Tribalmoon |
Nicely done! --
Tribal~ -- "So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words ... but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it." � Jiddu Krishnamurti |
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